One of my favorite meals so far on the Race has been momos – they will probably be the first thing that I cook from scratch when I go back to America. Momos are traditionally a Nepalese food, but are also made all over Asia as dumplings filled with spiced vegetables and meat. They take a while to make, but I promise you, they are totally worth it!
This recipe makes approximately 80-100 momos and will serve 8-10 people.
Ingredients:
For filling:
- 1.5 large red onions, diced
- 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
- 1 pound+ raw ground beef or pork
- 15 cloves garlic
- 4-inch piece of ginger, chopped
- 1 beef or chicken bullion cube, crushed into powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1-2 tsp chili powder or fresh chilis (adjust to your desired spice level)
- 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed and chopped
- 1/2 C vegetable oil
- Crush/mash diced garlic and ginger together in a small bowl
- Place in large bowl, then add diced onions, cabbage, and meat, and stir well
- Add bullion, salt, chili powder, and mix
- Finally, add fresh cilantro and vegetable oil and mix thoroughly by hand
For dough:
- 2 pounds flour
- 2 C+ water
- 1/2 tsp salt
Slowly add water to flour, mixing by hand until dough-like consistency. Let sit for a few minutes
- Take cherry-sized dough balls and roll them out individually on a floured surface.
- Place 1 spoonful of filling inside, then fold closed and pinch the ends. It’s a tricky technique to describe, but basically you fold one end in, then push pinch, push pinch until you get to the other end. The important thing is that it is sealed shut. They should be in a half-moon shape, and look something like this:
- Steam a single layer of momos for approximately ten minutes. To check if they are done, press the sides to see if they are tight. Momos are also tasty fried in a frying pan. The most important thing about making momos is that you have fun doing it!
Serve with chutney as dipping sauce. Chutney can be made from any number of ingredients, and is usually made from whatever vegetables are leftover in the house (tomatoes, sesame, cucumber, etc). An example chutney is below:
- 1/2 bunch fresh coriander, stems removed and chopped (fresh cilantro substitute)
- 6-inch long piece ginger, chopped
- 10 cloves garlic, chopped
- 4 tomatoes, diced
- 2 tsp chili powder or fresh chili
- 3 tsp white vinegar
Crush ginger, garlic, coriander together in a small bowl. Add tomatoes, chili powder, and white vinegar. Adjust to taste.
Eat momos Asian-style by sitting on the floor without silverware. Enjoy!
